All-New 2015 Expedition Platinum

In the luxury SUV market, Ford has always held a strong spot. Now with the updated Ford Expedition Platinum, Ford is competing with cousin the Navigator and rival Escalade and Denali by GM. Competition among brands was once fierce; now, it is a general rush to include luxury amenities and economies that include fuel consumption and emissions.

The Ford Expedition is gaining, thanks to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine. With 420 lb.-ft. of torque, the 365-horsepower engine is top-rated in luxury SUVs and combines two technologies to accomplish this. The advanced direct injection maximizes power while the twin air-to-air intercooled turbochargers provide a boost of power on demand. Noticeably powerful, this combo is impressive and, while the sound is not the 5.0-liter roar one may be used to, the car does not disappoint in its off-the-line speed.

The drive is incredibly tight, providing a feeling of great control of the vehicle. The standard AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control uses sensors to monitor, helping to control wheel slip, under-steering and over-steering, and roll motion, on ice and other slippery road conditions. The BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) uses radar to check where vehicles and objects are in relation to the vehicle as the driver changes lanes or makes other common maneuvers, and it alerts with indicator lights and sound in some cases.

The interior is stylish and comfortable, with all of the luxurious appointments one would expect at this level. Leather seating, wood grain trim, a Sony sound system and the SYNC® connectivity all compliment this spacious interior. Gauges and controls are convenient and include the latest technologies, with seemingly everything but a keyboard to keep the driver connected, positioned, informed and relaxed. The SUV has three rows of seating with hidden third-row seating for spacious use in the cargo area.

Ford Expedition Platinum
City: 16 mpg
Hwy: 22 mpg
0-60: 6.4 sec
Trans: 6-speed automatic
MSRP: $58,630